Engineering Students Win Outreach Competition While Inspiring Future STEM Leaders

Through the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) K-12 STEM Outreach Competition, engineering majors Cassandra Collins ’28 and Jillian Carroll ’28 developed a hands-on module that brought chemical-engineering concepts to life, first for local students, and then on a national stage. Their project, built around simple materials and color-changing reactions, earned them top awards.

It also created moments of curiosity and connection for the students they worked with. In their own words, they reflect on how this outreach shaped their learning at the University of New Haven.

Participating in the AIChE K-12 Outreach Competition became far more meaningful to me than I had initially expected. What began as a simple extracurricular activity my first year ultimately became one of the most defining experiences of my time so far at the University of New Haven. The support and opportunities provided by the University allowed us to grow not only as students, but also as educators and leaders.

Before traveling to the national conference in Boston, we shared our pH module with young girls at a local Youth and Family Center. This experience was deeply personal for me. I did not learn about chemical engineering until much further in my high school career when I was applying for college. When I was taking chemistry in high school, pH was a topic I often found confusing and intimidating. Being able to revisit those same concepts and teach these students in a clear, hands-on way felt full circle. It highlighted how earlier exposure could have changed my own academic confidence and sense of belonging in STEM.

Our module used familiar materials such as blueberries, turmeric, lime juice, and baking soda to visually demonstrate the impact of pH through natural pigments. Seeing students react with excitement and curiosity as the colors changed was memorable. Moments such as these reinforced how important experiential learning can be, especially for younger students who might not yet see themselves as future engineers.

At the AIChE national conference, we attended seminars and lectures that expanded my understanding of the many directions chemical engineering can take. Receiving awards for Best Module in the 6-8th grade category and Best Overall Module was an incredible honor. Aside from the recognition, the true value of the experience was the opportunity to inspire students and make engineering feel more approachable.

None of this would have been possible without the strong support system at the University of New Haven. I am deeply grateful to Nagasree Garapati, Ph.D., P.E., the Department of Chemistry and Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, and the Tagliatela College of Engineering for their guidance and encouragement. Their commitment to hands-on learning and community outreach empowered us to continue sharing our module with visiting high school students and local elementary schools. Through this experience, I have come to appreciate how the University actively invests in its students and how that in turn empowers the next generation of scientists and engineers.

I recently had the opportunity to participate in the AIChE K-12 STEM Outreach Competition, where my teammate and I earned first place in both the 6-8th grade category and the overall competition after developing and presenting an educational module titled “pH Reactive Pigments.”

This project was designed to introduce students to chemical engineering through an accessible, engaging, and hands-on procedure. Using just four simple, everyday materials, blueberries, turmeric, baking soda, and lime juice, we were able to create an entire unique palette of colors that respond to changes in pH.

The module was initially created as part of a STEM outreach effort and was first presented at a local Women and Family Center. Presenting the activity to students and families was a beyond-rewarding experience, as it allowed us to share chemistry and chemical engineering topics in a creative and approachable way.

It was incredible watching students engage with the procedure. They were able to combine science and creativity in a meaningful, memorable way. This aspect was especially meaningful for me because I was not introduced to chemical engineering until late into my high school years. STEM outreach makes a significant difference in encouraging young students, showing them what is possible while giving them the confidence to chase their dreams.

Throughout the development process, we worked closely with Dr. Garapati, whose guidance and support were instrumental to the project’s success. As students new to the field of chemical engineering, we found navigating both the technical and educational aspects of the module to be challenging, but Dr. Garapati provided consistent mentorship and encouragement that helped us successfully move forward.

We entered the AIChE competition without expectations of winning, making the final result especially meaningful. The recognition was a significant achievement not only for my teammate and me, but also for Dr. Garapati and the Tagliatela College of Engineering. This experience strengthened my passion for chemical engineering, outreach, and using science to make a positive impact on my community.